About the Canadian Services Coalition
The services sector accounts for employment of four in five Canadians and represents over 70% of the Canadian economy. The CSC advocates for policies that ensure the Canadian services sector remains competitive in the international landscape. This includes shaping domestic standards and supporting those involved in exporting and investment abroad.
Some of the barriers the CSC works to overcome on behalf of its members include:
- Restrictions on a service provider’s ability to enter the market because of economic needs tests or work permit requirements.
- Inability to provide services due to lack of recognition of professional qualifications.
- Requirements to establish a commercial presence in order to provide a service.
- Foreign ownership restrictions, which prevent companies from providing services.
- Data localization rules that require information to be held on domestic servers.
- Restrictions that inhibit ecommerce.
Given the international focus of the CSC’s mandate, we complement our advocacy with the Canadian government by working with international counterparts through the Global Services Coalition and the Asia-Pacific Services Coalition to advance shared priorities in bilateral and multilateral forums.
Member Benefits
- Briefings with federal and international government officials on trade issues affecting companies’ international operations.
- Focused domestic advocacy to advance policies that support the international footprint of the Canadian services sector.
- Connection into the Global Services Coalition to help facilitate advocacy efforts internationally, including at the World Trade Organization.
